The Crimson defense often played well on the flanks, where captain Jeff Psaki showed the stuff that made him a pre-season All-American. But in the middle there often seemed to be just enough room to walk up on the doorstep.

The Crimson entered the season with a gap in the middle, as it lost sophomore Mike Meagher to a hip injury he suffered while starting in goal for the soccer team.

The 6-3, 200-pound Meagher was last year's New England Rookie of the Year and a surprising presence around the crease. The Crimson could never find someone to step up in similar fashion, as too many goals were just easy strolls to the goalmouth.

Despite the team's preseason attitude that this year "was the year," the Crimson can look ahead to next year with a great deal of excitement.

This year's freshman class contributed a great deal to the offense. Out of the midfield, Doug Logigian and Jay Wich both added speed to the transition and intelligence in the set offense.

Should Primm continue to develop, he may dominate as soon as next year. With Buttles back for his senior year, the attack could be potent.

Out of midfield, Adam McGowan should return to dominate the center stripe and run an offense bent on conversion.

The dominant concern for next season will be in the back, where the Crimson will graduate both Cynar and Psaki, stalwarts of the defense.

Junior defenseman Peter Zaremba had a strong season, particularly towards the end of the year, and with Meagher returning, the Crimson may be able to deal with the loss of Psaki to some extent.

Cynar, however, will be tough to replace. Junior Ely Kahn and sophomore Chris Matteini saw limited time this year, but neither made much of an impression.

With the biggest hole in next year's roster in front of the net, the Crimson's future seems a bit up in the air. But if someone can step up, perhaps this year's hype can carry over to next year's record.